Epstein files update: Justice Department renews bid to unseal grand jury materials

"Berman ruled in August that a "significant and compelling reason" to deny the request and keep the transcripts sealed was that information contained in the transcripts "pales in comparison" to investigative information and materials already in the Justice Department's possession. Berman wrote that the government's 100,000 pages of Epstein files and materials "dwarf the 70 odd pages of Epstein grand jury materials" and that the grand jury testimony "is merely a hearsay snippet of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged conduct.""

"The Justice Department renewed its request Monday to unseal Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking grand jury materials, saying Congress made clear in approving the release of investigative materials related to the prosecution of the late financier that documents such as the court records should be released. The Justice Department said the Congressional action overrode existing law in a way that permits the unsealing of the grand jury records."

Justice Department renewed its request to unseal Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking grand jury materials after Congress approved the release of investigative materials and the president signed an action requiring disclosure within 30 days. The department asked a Manhattan federal judge for an expedited ruling, arguing the Congressional action overrides existing law and permits unsealing. Judge Richard Berman previously denied a similar request, finding the transcripts "pales in comparison" to investigative materials already in the department's possession, noting 100,000 pages of files dwarf about 70 pages of grand jury materials and labeling the testimony a hearsay snippet. Two other judges also denied release.

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